From Law & Crime · · 3m
Nail Salon Accused of Herpes Transmission During Manicure
Oregon nail salon faces $2.5 million lawsuit after allegedly giving customer herpes during manicure, second claim since 2024.
In brief
Oregon nail salon faces $2.5 million lawsuit after allegedly giving customer herpes during manicure, second claim since 2024. PDX Nails in Portland, Oregon is sued for $2.5 million after a 31-year-old woman claims she contracted genital herpes during a manicure in August 2025, marking the second herpes lawsuit against…
Herpes Lawsuit Against PDX Nails
PDX Nails in Portland, Oregon is being sued for $2.5 million by a 31-year-old woman in Multnomah County Circuit Court after she allegedly contracted genital herpes during an acrylic nail treatment in August 2025.
“The infection was painful, and the diagnosis caused S.R. a great deal of distress.”
Second Herpes Lawsuit Since 2024
This marks the second time since 2024 that a herpes lawsuit has been filed against the Glisan Street location of PDX Nails.
Symptoms After Manicure
The woman began feeling an unusual burning and stinging sensation along the lateral side of her right hand and pinky finger the day after her manicure and became itchy.
Blisters Formed
A fluid-filled blister began to form, and the woman allegedly sought treatment at her primary care clinic on August 12, eleven days after she got her manicure.
Genital Herpes Diagnosis
Clinic workers allegedly traced the blister to the genital herpes virus, and neither woman had herpes before going to the salon.
2024 Lawsuit Details
Attorney Amity Girt filed a similar complaint against PDX Nails in 2024 after a 23-year-old woman allegedly got herpes at the Glisan Street PDX Nails in 2023.
2024 Lawsuit Outcome
The 2024 lawsuit was settled in May 2025 for $1.75 million, claiming the nail technician did not wear gloves and stored drill bits in an Altoids tin.
Permanent Health Impact
The complaints state that the infection has been permanent, requiring the woman to monitor outbreaks for life to prevent spread to partners or children.
No Cure for Herpes
There is no cure for herpes, and outbreaks take weeks to fully clear up, requiring bandaging to prevent spread.
Salon Violations
PDX Nails reportedly violated state standards in the past for not properly disinfecting tools and was fined.
Owner Negligence
Salon owners Tam and Hai Nguyen have been accused of negligence for failing to properly train technicians and adhere to safety protocols.
Customer Embarrassment
The woman told The Oregonian she's been getting manicures since age 8 or 9 and feels embarrassed about bandages.
Herpes Transmission Risk
While rare, herpes can be transferred during a manicure, as seen in a Colorado woman who won $3.1 million after contracting it.
No Response from Salon
PDX Nails has not responded to requests for comment.
The essence
PDX Nails in Portland, Oregon is sued for $2.5 million after a 31-year-old woman claims she contracted genital herpes during a manicure in August 2025, marking the second herpes lawsuit against the salon since 2024.
